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ANYONE can get skin cancer, but it happens most often in people with fair skin, light-colored eyes, blonde or red hair, a propensity to burn or freckle, and a history of sun exposure. Also at increased risk are those with a family history of skin cancer.

Thanks to the philanthropy of Abby S. and Howard P. Milstein, American Skin Association initiated this award in 2008 to support established leaders in the fields of cutaneous oncology and dermatology, for innovative original research for melanoma/skin cancer.

Dr. Bastian will receive an award of $250,000 per year for each of three years for his research on the KIT signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in melanoma. Selected by an anonymous committee to receive this first such award given by ASA to an established career investigator, Dr. Bastian will be presented with the award at ASA's 10th Annual Gala in New York City's Rainbow Room.

Dr. Bastian's history with ASA goes back to 2001 when he received his first award from ASA as a Research Scholar for his study of individualized excision margins for melanoma using molecular markers. The initial grant he received from ASA was an extremely important start for his career as a physician scientist and possibly helped solidify his decision to remain in the U.S. and pursue his career.

Abby S. and Howard P. Milstein Innovation Award for Melanoma/Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Research candidates are established leaders in the fields of cutaneous oncology and dermatology, who must spend at least 80% of their professional time in research, and should have a mid-level or higher career dedicated to the furtherance of knowledge concerning melanoma/skin cancer. Their innovative research must be focused on new discoveries in the basic and clinical sciences with current or potential impact on the understanding and treatment or prevention of melanoma/non-melanoma skin cancer.

American Skin Association plans to bestow the award on a total of three recipients - one in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Each awardee will receive a total of $750,000.

American Skin Association (EIN 13-3401320) is a not-for-profit organization recognized as a tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). This website was created in collaboration with The Rockefeller University.